New York City Cancels Annual Halloween Parade, But The New York Marathon Is Still On

On Tuesday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the annual Greenwich Village Halloween parade will be cancelled for the first time in 39 years.

Bloomberg told NY1, "Unfortunately, we just cannot spare the manpower from the NYPD and other city agencies to host the annual Greenwich Village Halloween parade."

Idiot Of The Week: Hurricane Expert John McTernan

The New York Marathon is scheduled for Sunday is set to run as planned -- no pun intended.

Mary Wittenberg, the New York Road Runners president and CEO said in a statement, "The marathon has always been a special day for New Yorkers as a symbol of the vitality and resiliency of this city. NYRR continues to move ahead with its planning and preparation. We will keep all options open with regard to making any accommodations and adjustments necessary to race day and race weekend events."

3 Ways To Charge Your Cell Phone Without Power

Brad Pitt Donates $100,000 To HRC's Gay Marriage Campaign

According to The Los Angeles Times, Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 to the Human Rights Campaign.

"It's unbelievable to me that people's lives and relationships are literally being voted on in a matter of days," he wrote in an email to supporters of the gay rights group. "In Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington, voters will go to the polls to decide if gay and lesbian couples — our friends and neighbors — are worthy of the same protections as everyone else."

All his kids said "you are so cool" in seven different languages.

A Cute Picture Of Chris Christie & Obama

“It’s been very good working with the President. He and his administration have been coordinating with us. It’s been wonderful. The President has been all over this and he deserves great credit. I’ve been on the phone with him, like I said, yesterday, personally three times. He gave me his number at the White House, told me to call him if I needed anything. And he absolutely means it. The President has been outstanding." - Chris Christie, Republican Governor from New Jersey, on President Obama's handling of Hurricane Sandy.

A Few Images I Took Of The Destruction From Hurricane Sandy In Astoria, Queens

      3 Ways To Charge Your Phone Without Power During Sandy

Coach At Washington State University Bans Male Soccer Team Players From Using Twitter

In a strange turn of events, white male athletes at an American college are tweeting derogatory things about women and African-Americans.

Coach Mike Leach imposed a ban after players were allegedly using social media inappropriately.

WSU Athletic Director, Bill Moos, said that he supports the decision.

“We are at a point now where we need 100% focus.  We don’t need distractions."

2 Ways Gay Dudes Can Help Straight Dudes Get Laid

WSU players -- we will catch you on Twitter after the season is over. In other Washington State news, Amanda Knox is still looking for a roommate in Seattle.

3 Ways To Charge Your Cell Phone Without Power

1.  Battery Life Application -- Hey, gay dudes. Yes, there is another app other than Grindr. For Apple and Android devices, there are several free apps that promise longer battery life. One, named Carat, gives one personalized suggestions how to conserve power and what apps to delete.

2.  Use Your Laptop -- First, make sure you have your laptop completely charged. If the power happens to go out, one is able to plug in your phone into your computer via the USB port. This one may seem obvious, but when things are getting chaotic, it can be easy to slip your mind.

Transformers Are Blowing Up In New York City

3.  Stop Running Apps -- I actually just learned this a few weeks ago and my battery life has improved drastically. Even when you are not using some apps, they are still running on your cell phone and running down your juice. If you have an iPhone, you can hit your home button twice and the apps that are running will appear on the bottom of your phone, where you can close them. Also, make sure to shut off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and opt to text when possible, as it uses less power than calling. Additionally, lowering the screen brightness helps, too.

Idiot Of The Week: Hurricane Expert John McTernan

Mayor Bloomberg Rallies For Same-Sex Marriage In Baltimore

This past Friday, Michael Bloomberg traveled to Baltimore to attend a press conference regarding Question 6, a statewide referendum in Maryland that would allow marriage equality for gay couples.

"I think all of us believe, along with a growing majority of Americans, that welcoming committed gay couples to the rights and responsibilities of marriage is the right thing to do," Bloomberg said.

He went on to say that since New York State passed the marriage equality law last year, over $259 million dollars have been generated.

4 Signs That You Are Not A Real Gay Guy

Bloomberg has donated over $750,000 this year along to fight the passage of same-sex marriage in various states.

Transformers Are Blowing Up In New York City

                      "Sandy. You are a huge fucking bitch. Love Bumble Bee"

You Should Be Going On Dates After An Open Bar

A good thing about New York City nightlife is that once a week, there will typically be an event with an open bar. On the flip side, a bad thing about New York City is that there are usually events with open bars ...

At 23-years-old, I suppose I've started to get a bit exhausted from dating. I've met people casually, used dating applications and websites such as Grindr and OkCupid, and allowed my friends to set me up.

My straight female friends assume all of their gay friends are "so cute" and "so handsome," while my straight guy friends try to point me in the direction of any dude who may potentially be gay.

Millennials & OkCupid: Should We Be Embarrassed About Online Dating In Our Youth?

Given my little dating incidents and mishaps in the past, I now typically decide to schedule dates after happy hours or open bars. This past week, I met up for a date after an event in Hells Kitchen. After about 10 minutes, it was evident that neither of us were impressed or interested.

Well, it wasn't too bad, but he wouldn't shut up about how expensive his rent was; buddy, I understand. I live here, too.

"Yeah, this date isn't working out" he said as he finished his beer.

"I hear you, sister. I wasn't sure if you were an alcoholic or just wanted to finish your drink so the date could end. But, now that we are talking about it ... none of my dates go past the first. Is it something I'm doing?"

"Uh, what?" he responded.

"Yeah. Like, do I sound crazy? Do I seem like I have split personality disorder? If you had to rate me on humor on a scale of one to ten, what would it be? You can be honest. Just tell me. I don't mind, really."

7 Possible Memoir Titles For Those Who Suck At Dating

"Well, you didn't seem crazy until now. I'm actually leaving. I'm going to head out. Did you want to walk to the subway together?" he asked as he got up from the bar.

"Nope. I'm goona stay for another drink."

As it seems, my biggest LGBT related issue isn't that gay men and women are unable to have their marriages federally recognized within the United States of America. It's how I am going to trick another gay dude into marrying me once (yes, once) gay marriage is the law of the land.

Oh, to be a young gay millennial living in New York City.

Connie Britton Ain't Impressed With Mitt Romney And Wants You To Vote For Obama

In a recent op-ed in USA Today, Connie Britton took aim at Mitt Romney for the use of the phrase "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose." The line, which is from the television series Friday Night Lights, has been used by Mitt Romney in his campaign.

7 Things I'd Rather Do Than Have Mitt Romney Elected

Britton, who starred in Friday Night Lights for five seasons, co-wrote the article along with the former executive producer Sarah Aubrey.

"'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose' wasn't just about winning games," they write. "Rather, it was a rallying cry of hope and optimism in a community where everyone had a fair shot – no matter their background, no matter their parents, no matter their gender. And no matter their politics."

The two women then advocate for President Obama by discussing his support for the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Affordable Care Act, which grants women equal pay for equal work.

"So as women, let's take 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts' back and use it as it was always intended – as a motivator for progress, power and greatness. Let's use our clear eyes and full hearts to vote early," the two write in closing. "Let's use our clear eyes and full hearts to tell every friend, family member and neighbor about what's at stake for women in this election. What's at stake for all of us."

Connie Britton currently stars in the new hit Nashville on ABC. I've watched a few episodes of the show and I would recommend checking it out; it's available on HULU for free.

I agree with Britton and Aubrey. Find out the Funny Reasons Why Gays Should Not Get Married and hopefully you will vote for a candidate that wants to treat gay people like human beings.

Also, my version of the quote: "Blurred Eyes, Full Wallet, Let's Booze."

Idiot Of The Week: Hurricane Expert John McTernan

Pastor John McTernan, founder of Defend and Proclaim the Faith ministries, has finally cleared up why Hurricane Sandy is terrorizing the East Coast:

In a post on his blog, he wrote:

"By promoting homosexuality, America has become like the ancient pagan Amorites and has now come under the judgment of God.

America promotes homosexuality by custom with events such as Gay Pride Day, Gay Awareness Month (June), Gay day at Disney land, Gay Day at sporting events and events like Southern Decadence in New Orleans . There are gay clubs in high school and colleges. The political parties are pandering to the homosexuals for their votes. By custom, homosexuality has woven into the fabric of America.

The Bible warns of God judging a nation that walks in these ordinances. When the corporate attitude of a nation is friendly toward homosexuality then at this point the iniquity is full."

Hurricane Sandy Will Cause Walk Of Shames To Be Complicated For Millions Of New Yorkers

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why Hurricane Sandy is here!

Hurricane Sandy Is Going To Blow More Things In New York City Than Lindsay Lohan

Hurricane Sandy Will Cause Walk Of Shames To Be Complicated For Millions Of New Yorkers

Since a majority of Americans support gay marriage, the rights of women, and interracial relationships, God will now be punishing us in the form of Hurricane Sandy.

Also, he is still very upset that My So-Called Life was taken off the air after just one season in 1995; He forgives, but sure as hell doesn't forget.

Over the next few days, the hurricane will be fucking up the one night stand rituals of millions of New Yorkers, in addition to others major U.S. cities on the east coast. What have we done to deserve this? Although a walk of shame obstacle course in my Halloween costume sounds fun, I really don't have the energy.

In addition, Mayor Bloomberg has announced the possibility of shutting down the transportation in New York City. Uh, does he expect me to walk home at 11AM seventy five blocks to my apartment?

Well, I have my own announcement; if you plan on going home with me this weekend, I will not be leaving until I see fit. That being said, please have the following ready for my arrival; one dozen bottles of water, two dozen sugar free Red Bull, three boxes of baby Tylenol, and crayons and a coloring book so I can stay busy.

12 Steps To Help You Get Over Uncomfortable & Awkward Situations

                                    Step One - Have a large glass of wine.

                                    Step Two - Complete step one eleven times.

New York City Cop Planned To Kidnap, Rape, And Eat Female Victims

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan, a New York City police officer was arrested in a conspiracy which involved kidnapping, torturing, raping, and eating women.

I know it's a recession and all, but groceries aren't that expensive, right?

Gilberto Valle, 28, a six-year veteran with the New York Police Department, was arrested this Wednesday at his home in Queens.

A database on his computer included at least 100 women, with at least one photograph of each, and information which he obtained illegally from the National Crime Information Center Database.

In correspondence with another individual from a cannibal fantasy website, Valle is reported as saying:

“She does look tasty, doesn’t she?”

In which the other person replied:

“You do know if we don’t waste any of her there is nearly 75 lbs of food there."

Authorities were tipped off earlier this year when the estranged wife of Valle found pornography on his computer.

Once the women are identified, they will be notified by federal and local authorities.

Lesbian Kiss Steals The Show At Anti-Gay Protest

Anti-gay protestors were caught off guard in Marseille, France, this past Wednesday as photographer Gérard Julien snapped a picture of two teenagers sharing a same-sex kiss.

The “Un papa une maman" protest, which was advocating against same-sex parenting, was interrupted by the two girls, aged 17 and 19.

According to the French website Têtu, the girls are not lesbians and the picture was “a gesture of solidarity, pure and simple.”

This picture is hot, right? I'm a gay dude and even I think so.

P.S. Grannies be buggin' in the background.

Ann Coulter Calls Obama A Retard On Twitter

She also tweeted the following in reference to National Coming Out Day:

"Last Thursday was national coming out day. This Monday is national disown your son day."

The conservative Ms. Coulter is probably in a crypt somewhere right now searching for herself on Google.

New York Lesbians Are Banned From Getting Married On A Farm Near Albany

In a strange turn of events, two lesbians wanted to be married in New York while surrounded by a bunch of cocks. They had planned to have their ceremony at Liberty Ridge Farm, outside of Albany, New York, but were denied due to their sexual orientation.

Melisa Erwin and Jennie McCarthy of have since filed a discrimination complaint against the farm. Since this is the first discrimination case since New York's same-sex marriage law went into effect, the outcome may be a possible precedent.

According to the couple, Liberty Ridge Farm owners Robert and Cynthia Gifford found out they were a same-sex couple and told them that they would not host their wedding next summer.

Please note that religious institutions do not need to conduct same-sex weddings. However, if a business is open to the general public - and conducts weddings for the general public - refusing to host individuals based on color, creed, or sexual orientation is, and has been, against the law, no matter what the religious affiliation or beliefs of the owners happen to be.

3 Funny Reasons Why Gays Should Not Marry In America

This upcoming November, four states (Maine, Maryland, Washington and Minnesota) will be voting on whether to make same-sex marriage legal. Make sure to learn about the awesome campaign The Four 2012 and spread the news to family and friends in those states!

In other news, if my future husband tells me he wants to get married on a farm, he will no longer be my future husband.

American Atheists Come Up With The Cutest Ads

Dave Silverman, President of American Atheists, said in a statement:

"The American population is woefully unaware of the implications of a Mormon president because nobody is discussing the issue. Mormonism is a non-Abrahamic religion that has already used its money and might to impose its beliefs on the non-Mormon citizens of California."

Tim Tebow Totally Trademarks Tebowing

First off, I would like to apologize to anyone that has a speech impediment; the title was a little tricky, right?

Tim Tebow, God's #1 fan, has recently received a federal trademark for "Tebowing," which is the act of dropping down on one knee for a brief prayer.

"Dear God. Thank you for allowing me to play professional football. Hey now, what about those billions of people living in the lowest rung of poverty that are starving to death? Love, your boy Timmy."

Well, that's what I assume he is praying about.

At Odds With Religion. Again.

In other news, I am in the process of trademarking "Hartingering," which is the act of dropping down on two knees and ... uh, nevermind.

Take A Picture For A Day In Gay America 2012

If you are LGBT and live in America, make sure to snap a picture on November 9, 2012 for The Advocate.

The third annual "A Day In Gay America" has arrived.

"We want to see every aspect of LGBT life, from the mundane to the insane, from the glamorous to the gritty, whether you’re on an adventure or experiencing a quiet moment of solace."

The best images will appear on Advocate.com, as the magazine further attempts to dispel the rumors and stereotypes about the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

My photo appeared online last year with the caption:

1:28PM Los Angeles This photograph was taken on my day off from my summer internship at The Advocate.  I am on the fire escape of my apartment near downtown. I decided to snap a picture here because this is a place where I came to write, think, and relax.

JetBlue Election Protection 2012: Live Free Or Fly

"On November 6th, America will elect the next U.S. President. If things don't go your way, don't worry. Here's your chance to get a free flight out of the country with JetBlue. Participate in our poll and login to Facebook to enter. If you change your mind you can always come back. Or not. It's a free country."

Looks like JetBlue is thinking outside the box with their new promotional contest.

Can we all just vote for Barack Obama? He has this crazy idea to treat LGBT individuals like humans. Also, I have a strong feeling that I can trick another gay dude into marrying me by 2057, so I want gay marriage to be federally recognized.

7 Things I'd Rather Do Than Have Mitt Romney Elected

Come on, help a brother out; we all know I don't need any more roadblocks.

Beyonce Knowles Is Living In The Shadow Of Her Younger Sister Solange

Sibling rivalry is common in every family, but once you're a celebrity, the stakes get a little higher. Even within my own family, my sisters and I place annual bets on who can kiss the most dudes. When my parents separated while I was in college, my mother decided to join in on the festivities.

However, it seems like Solange is rocking it for the Knowles family by appearing on the November 2012 cover of ELLE South Africa.

Someplace, somewhere, Beyonce is crying to herself, saying, "Why couldn't that be me? Why can't my star shine as bright as hers?"

Speaking of celebrities ... find out what happened when I met Adam Lambert in a bar while I was living in Los Angeles: Adam Lambert Is A Diva.

Disney Introduces First Hispanic Princess Named Whitewash. I mean, Princess Sofia ...

People are mad for a few reasons. For one, Princess Sofia is a light skinned and light haired, blue-eyed Hispanic. Who does this bitch think she is ... Christina Aguilera?

Activists are also upset that her debut will be on television.

On November 18th, the movie Sofia The First: Once Upon A Princess will run on Disney Channel.

In other news, here are the 4 Television Shows That Millennials Should Be Watching.

Joe Biden Is A Boss

          6 Things Ann Romney Should Have Said At Her RNC Speech

This Honestly Took Me An Hour To Turn Purple, But Happy Spirit Day To The LGBT Community

                                           October 19, 2012 is Spirit Day

Go purple, too, and be an advocate for LGBT youth who are bullied.

4 Funny Signs That You Are Not A Real Gay Guy

A Graph That Gives Insight On Unemployment In The United States Of America

      American Millennials Optimistic About Finding Employment

New York Appeals Court Strikes Down Defense Of Marriage Act

The Defesnse of Marriage Act, also known as DOMA, was enacted on September 21, 1996. It defines marriage on a federal level as a union between one man and one woman.

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and the District of Columbia currently issue marriage licenses to gay couples. New York, population wise, is the largest to do so.

Can we get over gay people already? I have a bunch of other topics that I would love to talk about. Thanks!

Learn about the case that caused New York to strike down the defense: Defense Of Marriage Act Repeal - ACLU Wants Gay Marriage To Go To The Supreme Court

4 Shows That Millennials Should Be Watching

In a strange turn of events, it turns out that those of us in Generation Y like to watch our lives reflected back to us by attractive and funny young adults as they navigate life in modern America. While I do not have cable, I am able to take advantage of my favorite new shows that are free to watch online. Check out my suggestions on what you should be watching. Click on the title of each show and you will be redirected to the available episodes.

1.  Underemployed - This comedy-drama series debuted this past week on MTV and the pilot was pretty funny, entertaining, and witty. Five friends graduate from college in Chicago and plan to meet a year later after following their dreams. Well, life happens and things don't quite go according to plan. Sound familiar? Underpaid jobs, pregnancy, discovered bisexuality, work affairs, and young adult strife are all evident in the first episode and I'm excited to see how the characters develop. It's a scaled down version of Girls that's less edgy, but more quirky.

2.  The Mindy Project - The series, created by and starring Mindy Kaling, is the first American show that features a South Asian American lead; you go girl. It revolves around the life of Mindy, a 30-something physician living, working, and dating in New York City. Sexual tension and bad dates are the main theme of the show, but the one-liners and comedic situations that the characters get themselves into will have you laughing throughout the entire episode.

3.  The New Normal - CAUTION. CAUTION. This shoe depicts homosexuals as (somewhat) normal members of society. The series, which was created by LGBT writers Ryan Murphy (Glee, American Horror Story) and Ali Adler, follows the lives of successful Los Angeles couple Bryan and David, their surrogate, Goldie, as well as her daughter and grandmother. The New Normal is not only intelligent and witty, but it also presents the views of homophobic, racist, and sexist individuals in an interesting irony that further helps influence the civil rights movement in a variety of ways. As the series  progresses, it becomes more serious as issues such as gay slurs, abortion, and interracial relationships are touched upon.

4.  Revolution - Well, since this show takes place in post-apocalyptic America fifteen years into the future, I suppose it's not that relate-able , but it's an awesome series that gets better as the episodes progress. Tracy Spiridakos plays Charlie, a young adult who was raised in a world that has been cut off from technology, and as a result, the world turned to a brutal and barbaric place where murder, rape, and war became mainstream. The opening credits of the show best describe the concept of the series: "We lived in an electric world. We relied on it for everything. And then the power went out. Everything stopped working. We weren't prepared. Fear and confusion led to panic. The lucky ones made it out of the cities. The government collapsed. Militias took over, controlling the food supply and stockpiling weapons. We still don't know why the power went out. But we're hopeful someone will come and light the way."

Uh, if you are a Millennial, you should also become a fan of Generation: (WH)Y? on Facebook, dudes and dudettes.

New York City Cab Driver Fired Over Refusing To Leave Manhattan

Unless you live in New York City, you may not be aware that it is illegal for cab drivers to refuse fares to Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.

This past April, Sidikiba Diallo, a twenty year cab veteran, got into an altercation with a male passenger after he allegedly refused to drive him to his destination in Queens.
 

Video footage of the fight was recently releasd, which includes Diallo throwing the passenger, Glenn Yonemitsu, out of the cab and onto the street.

"Even without corroborating witness testimony, the video is most compelling evidence," wrote administrative law judge Tynia Richard.

Make sure to check out the video.

Oddly enough, no assault charges have been filed.

Anne Hathaway To Donate Wedding Photo Money To Marriage Equality & Other Causes

Anne Hathaway, a long time advocate of the LGBT community and a seemingly awesome person, married Adam Shulman this past September. Magazines across the globe wanted the pictures and now Anne will be selling them; some of the money will be donated to Freedom to Marry, which advocates for marriage equality in the United States, and various other non-profit groups.

According to Adam Polaski from Freedom to Marry, "Hathaway is doing her part to ensure that same-sex couples across the country can enjoy a fairytale wedding like hers; this week, she announced that she’ll be donating some of the sales from her wedding photographs to non-profits advocating for marriage for same-sex couples, including Freedom to Marry."

Other charities noted to receive a donation include the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and The Girl Effect.

The Best Question Asked About LGBT Equality At The Presidential Debate At Hofstra

Oh wait. None were asked. Check out the 7 Things I Would Rather Do Than Have Mitt Romney Elected President instead.

Don't Know Who This Is? We Can't Be Friends & You Should Google "Blind Melon"

My Halloween costume. Buy me a drink if you see me in Manhattan.

Marcus Bachmann Breaks The Sound Barrier

 

Generation Y math problem time.

Americans get three hours to figure this out. Chinese get two minutes:

If a closeted man (A) living in X city meets a homosexual man (B) online in Y city, and the cities are 2,456 miles apart, how fast can individual A get to city Y after being promised anonymous sex?

Jersey Shore Cast Member Against Gay Marriage

"I love gay people. I have a lot of friends that are gay. If you want to date each other, fine. We’ll see how it works. But in the end, they should really go and marry the other type."

- Angelina from the first two seasons of Jersey Shore.

In a recent online debate (what?), she also admitted to kissing girls in clubs, but that is as far as she will go.

That dog heard what she said and is not impressed.

Matilda's Parents Are Getting Divorced & I'm Not Happy About It

            Danny DeVito & Rhea Pearlman call it quits after 30 years.

First I find out that my Beanie Babies aren't worth any money. Now this?

If you are as upset as I am, read some of the 90's inspired comedy articles below. One of these little bastards are bound to make you laugh:

1.  Funny Questions We Should Have Asked About Video Games Growing Up

2.  Nine Signs That You Were Gay If You Grew Up In The 90's

3.  Two Things That Katie Holmes Can Do Now That She Is Divorced

4.  How Stoop Kid From Hey Arnold Got Me Kicked Out Of A Party

Manhattan Skyline From Williamsburg, Brooklyn

                                                  Instagram ain't got shit on me

I'm Upset About The Vice-Presidential Debate

     Paul Ryan Has Ruined My Sex Life Over The Past Few Months

Gen Y 90's Song Of The Week: Glycerine By Bush

I've decided to add a new article series to the website since I feel that a majority of the music today sucks. In addition, all I have heard people our age talking about music wise over the past few weeks is how Nicki Manaj & Mariah Carey got into a fight on the set of American Idol.

The first "Gen Y 90's Song Of The Week" is Glycerine by Bush.

It's no surprise that I love Bush. Oh, and the band isn't that bad either.

Glycerine was released in November 1995 and the simple, yet awesome, music video was filmed a month prior in Atlanta, Georgia. The music video was shot very quickly when the band was on tour in the United States and the band's visas had expired. Maybe Gavin Rossdale married Gwen Stefani shortly after to get that green card?

A fun fact about Gavin is that he a same-sex relationship for five years in the early 1980's. You go girl.

The United Nations Declares October 11th The First Ever International Day Of The Girl

Could you imagine being kept in a comatose state, drugged repeatedly, and having your body offered up for prostitution?

Well, for a couple million individuals around the world, it's just a day in the life.

Sure, the Taken series are pretty alarming and deadly, but it's not as far fetched as it seems.

According to CNN, police estimate that over 300,000 women and girls have been trafficked for exploitative sex work. And that figure is not for the world; that's just for India alone. Poor women and girls are abducted and forced to work as a sex slaves. Few are rarely rescued.

In order to raise further awareness on this terrible occurrence and countless other issues, the United Nations declared October 11, 2012 the first-ever "International Day Of The Girl."

The United Nation said in a statement, "In reserving a day for advocacy and action by and for girls, the UN has signaled its commitment to end gender stereotypes, discrimination, violence, and economic disparities that disproportionately affect girls."
 

Earlier this week, a member of the Pakistani Taliban shot a 14-year-old girl named Malala Yousufzai in the head. Why? Because she did something "outlandish" in Pakistan. She advocated for equal education for girls.

Today is also National Coming Out Day, which raises awareness for the various struggles of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

Sometimes I wonder what's worse in life; being jaded, or being dumb?

Support The LGBT Community & Wear Purple On October 11th For National Coming Out Day

                                           
                                                       9 Myths About Gay Men

I Am Pissed At Stacey Dash And I Almost Burned My Clueless VHS

Oh, not because she's voting for Mitt Romney, but because she stole my idea getting publicity on Twitter. What a bitch. I'm @RealJeffreyHartinger. Just kidding. I'm @BuffaloDudeInNYC.

5 Reasons Why You Should Remain In The Closet

October 11th is National Coming Out Day; an internationally recognized day that raises awareness for the "coming out" process of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

I came out during my freshman year at Canisius College and it changed my life for the better. Of course, I would never advocate someone disclosing their sexual orientation if there was risk of harm or abuse of any form, but how is the LGBT rights movement supposed to advance when there are still millions of American adults who remain in the closet?

Instead of the reasons why one should come out, I thought it would be interesting to list 5 reasons why people should remain in the closet.

1.  It's Just A Phase: Sure, you are 32-year-old guy and have three kids and a beautiful wife, but just give it a few more years and maybe things will start to make sense. Just a few more years.

2.  Religion: Why be happy on earth for 70 or 80 years? Heaven is right around the corner.

3. Family: It's not their fault that they are closed minded and don't want you to be yourself. Let's not get selfish ladies and gentlemen.

4.  Personality: Oh, you don't relate to the stereotypical gay persona that has been evident over the past 40 years? Yeah, stay in the closet! It's not a rumor that all heterosexual people in America can relate to one another and have the same beliefs and opinions; it's the truth!

5.  Friendship: All of your friendships will diminish if you come out of the closet. Only your true friends will stop being your friend because they know that staying in the closet is the best thing for you. Like, how could anyone want to be your friend? Ones sexuality is all they have to offer in friendships.

Uh, I hope nobody agreed with this article. But, on a more serious note, please check out the following links if you are struggling with coming out and/or would like some laughs!

4 Years Ago: My Coming Out Letter

Signs You Are Not A Real Gay Guy

3 Funny Issues Of Being A Gay Guy

Reasons Why Gays Should Not Marry

A New Religious Book Calls For The Execution Of Children

Youth who don’t demonstrate “respect for parents” should be put to death. Well, that's according to Charlie Fuqua, a former member of the Arkansas legislature who is a candidate to be in the legislature once again.

A passage from his book, God's Law: The Only Political Solution, reads:

The maintenance of civil order in society rests on the foundation of family discipline. Therefore, a child who disrespects his parents must be permanently removed from society in a way that gives an example to all other children of the importance of respect for parents. The death penalty for rebellious children is not something to be taken lightly. The guidelines for administering the death penalty to rebellious children are given in Deut 21:18-21:

His book also calls for the expulsion of Muslims from America.

A Letter To My Future Child

It Appears That Slavery Wasn't So Bad In The United States

In a letter to the Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas State Rep. Roy Mauch defended slavery in America. This comes after fellow Republican, Jon Hubbard, claimed that slavery was a "blessing in disguise for African-Americans." What the hell?

Some highlights:

"If slavery were so God-awful, why didn’t Jesus or Paul condemn it, why was it in the Constitution and why wasn’t there a war before 1861?"

"The South has always stood by the Constitution and limited government. When one attacks the Confederate Battle Flag, he is certainly denouncing these principles of government as well as Christianity."

Not quite sure of his views on same-sex marriage, but I can take a wild guess.

5 Things That Will Change For Me If Gay Marriage Becomes Legal

The Associated Press Posted This Picture Of Mitt Romney. Is It In Bad Taste?

              7 Things I'd Rather Do Than Have Mitt Romney Elected

One Fifth Of American Adults Have No Religious Affiliation

According to the Pew Research Center, it appears that "no religion" is on the rise with 19.6% Americans identifying as Atheist, Agnostic, or no definite religious affiliation.

A third of adults under 30, made up of millennials, don't follow a particular religious belief.

At Odds With Religion. Again.

This is a drastic rise since 1990, when 8% of the American population had no religious affiliation.

As an Agnostic Theist, I personally have no issue with religion or religious individuals, but for you small percentage that use your beliefs to oppress other people, just shut the fuck up already, okay?

If interested, make sure to check out my poem The Book Left Behind, which gives some insight on my lack of religious beliefs.

Iris By The Goo Goo Dolls Named Top Pop Song Of The Last 20 Years

I usually try to find a reason to talk about my hometown of Buffalo on my website, so this article topic definitely made me smile.

Billboard announced that The Goo Goo Dolls, one of the most popular bands to hail from Buffalo, were the only musicians to have three songs rank on it's list of the Top 100 Pop Songs From 1992 to 2012; "Name" (number 24), "Slide" (number 9) and "Iris" (number 1).

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"Iris" spent four weeks in the No. 1 position back in 1998, and it spent a total of 39 weeks on the chart. The song was originally written for the 1998 movie City Of Angels and is credited with making the band international stars.